9/23, Corduroy, +7=194, +8=198, +10=236, PMBG=314, +2=392

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blove7

blove7

Member Since 2013
Hi all,

As of last night, Corduroy's numbers have been all over the place. Going from 251 @ +10 to 274 20 minutes later, then to 20 less than two hours later. Within five minutes from that, he was 195, to which we gave him .10. At +2, he was 271, +4=232. Today, his AMPS=116, +2=23/24 (checked twice in quick succession), +3=20. This whole time, I've also been checking Joe's BG levels to compare and his are right on target, from high 40s to 50s. I've just given him a spoonful of HC food and talked to a support representative at Bayer Contour, who suggests to buy some control solution to test the strips in order to see if they are defective. However, from testing Joe, it seems that the problem isn't the strips. I'm very worried as to what is happening with Corduroy. The representative ran me through a long test to check the electronics/batteries of the meter and said that the meter seems to be working just fine.

Has anyone else had this experience?
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20

Please give your cat Karo syrup RIGHT NOW. If the BG doesnt come up you need to take him to the ER right away
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20

I just gave him Karo, but I'm not sure how much I should give him. Right before I gave him karo, I checked him again and the meter flashed "lo."
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20

If you have any kind of syrup or honey you should give him a few drops of it. If he wont lick it - rub it on his gums.


With him being so low I would give him a few drops...
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20

Check him again, every 15 mins. If he doesn't come up soon, you need to take him to the ER. How far it is from you? Do you know where it is?
Liz
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo"

If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms you should take him to the ER right away.

The symptoms to be concerned about include but are not limited to:
staggering, uncoordinated movements, 'drunken' walk, wobbling, balance problems
ataxia - usually lack of muscular coordination, but maybe changes in head and neck movements
disorientation (yowling, walking in circles, etc.)
twitching
stupor
convulsions or seizures
coma
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo"

Hi, I'm waiting to check him again, but just called my vet to ask about bringing him in. The receptionist said that our vets are either in surgery or at lunch and the "emergency" clinic isn't open until 5. Have NO idea what to do!
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo"

I should add, however, that at this moment, he is jumping upon the chair in the kitchen like normal. I know that they can act normal up until seizure though.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo"

Did you tell them how low Corduroys numbers are? There should be an oncall vet for emergencies.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo"

What? That is crazy. This is truly an emergency and the receptionist doesn't understand how to handle that. Could you call back and ask to speak to a tech/nurse? They can put in a glucose drip.
Liz
ETA: That's good that he's acting normally. Try to keep him as still as possible.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo"

Agree 100% with Liz. Call the ER. And bring your meter and a syringe full of Karo with you in case you need it in the car. If you don't have a feeding syringe for the Karo, cut the needle off of an insulin syringe or two and use those.

Also, if those numbers are "real" - and it sounds like they are if you're getting normal numbers with Joe - you need to stop with the shots.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo"

Is it time for another test now? Please post the number as soon as you test. If he is still this low, please call the vet and tell them Corduroys BG has been in the 20s and you cant get it to come up. Tell them its an emergency and ask if you should bring him there or if there is an oncall vet in the area that you can take him to.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo"

I just tested again and it's risen to 49. The receptionist called back and suggested an emergency hospital that is about an hour away. Other than that, she said that one of our vets could come back from lunch, but she didn't know how long it would take him.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=

Jamie & Jupiter,

The first time I called, I replied to the receptionist's no-help attitude with, "So, what should he do, die?" To this, she laughed and said, "No, he won't die." I then said that his BG level was 20. This receptionist is not the nicest person; I've had issues with her before. Other than her, the rest of the office/vets/assistants are super-helpful.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=

Its good that his numbers have risen a little bit but that is still low. I would give him another few drops of Karo and retest in 15 minutes to make sure he doesnt drop back down. If he drops again I wouldnt hesitate to get him to a vet right away.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=

Phew on that 49! Excellent! Just give him little bits of food at a time, you want to keep him hungry so he will eat. I agree with Jamie that you need to keep testing until he is stable without getting food or karo. And good luck with the OTJ trial! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

I think the receptionist's response would warrant a letter to the owner and maybe the state board.
Liz
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=

Okay, I just gave him another bit of karo. I will test again in 15 minutes.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=

blove7 said:
Jamie & Jupiter,

The first time I called, I replied to the receptionist's no-help attitude with, "So, what should he do, die?" To this, she laughed and said, "No, he won't die." I then said that his BG level was 20. This receptionist is not the nicest person; I've had issues with her before. Other than her, the rest of the office/vets/assistants are super-helpful.
Click to expand...
Obviously, that receptionist doesn't know much if anything about low numbers. I'd mention that conversation the next time you talk directly to your vet.

Jamie is right. Keep testing and if it drops back down, more Karo and be ready to go. If you walk in with a hypoglycemic cat, there's got to be someone there that can drop what they are doing and help.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=

You are doing a great job! Just keep testing, posting, feeding to make sure he stays in safe numbers.

I will be here waiting to see the next BG number.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=49, +4=

Great! I am so happy to see that 80! How about 1 or 2 teaspoons of LC food and test in 30 mins?

If his numbers are still holding steady after the next BG reading, we will wait 30 minutes with no food after the next test to make sure he doesnt drop lower without the karo or food.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +2=23, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=

Flashed "lo" again, about 15 minutes ago. Called vet. He said to keep giving him "high protein" food. I asked about HC, but he said that we need to give him HP in order for long-term stabilization. He said that he was going on lunch til 12:45, but to call his cell phone if feeding him and testing him every 15 minutes doesn't seem to be working. I just tested again and it's 80. This is after giving him more karo and HC food. I am going to test him again in a few minutes.

Jamie, after this test in a few minutes, if all goes well, I will give him so LC food and re-test in 30 minutes.

Thanks everyone for your help! I'm beside myself with worry nailbite_smile
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=49, +4=

It was 49 at 11:30, it flashed lo at 11:50. Now, at 12, it's 80.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=49, +4=

Just wanted to pop in and say you are doing great. You are there with him and it sounds like you are doing better than that vet would.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=49, +4=

Did it flash LO when you were testing blood? I'm wondering if it might be a "battery" going bad? Do you have a backup meter?
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=49, +4=

Okay I didnt realize you tested him in between. Just to make sure I got this right....

11:30 - 49
11:50- "lo"
12:00 - 80


So the next test would be at 12:15?


My next question was the same thing Carl just asked... about backup meter. If you have one you could test and compare to the meter you are using
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.1=lo, +3.5=49, +3.75=lo, +4=80, +4.25

You are doing great, Brigitte! I think your meter is giving some funky readings.
Liz
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.1=lo, +3.5=49, +3.75=lo, +4=80, +4.25

Carl, yes it tested lo when we tested his blood. I don't have a back-up meter at this moment. The reason why I don't think it's a problem with the meter/battery is because when I test Joe, his BG levels are right on target like they usually are.

Jamie, at 12:15, his # was 100 and now, at 12:30, it is 112.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.5=49, +3.75=lo, +4=80, +4.25=100, +4.

Now, we will check in 30 minutes without food to see if it's staying up naturally :smile:

Should I take the "911" off of my post now? I don't want to cause unnecessary alarm. Also, Anne & Zener, when you said good luck on the OTJ trial, do you think that we shouldn't give him any more insulin tonight?

Again, thanks everyone for the support you've given me this morning! I'm really grateful :-D
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4=80, +4.25=100, +4.5=112

I think that's what Liz meant :-D
And I certainly agree.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4=80, +4.25=100, +4.5=112

I would believe the numbers too, as if they are right which they probably are, you need to concentrate on getting his BGs up, now and worry about the meter and any possible battery issues later.
You did and are doing a good job. Do not become complacent though. His numbers can come right down again, once the affects of the karo wear off.

I think you need to start a trial as those LOs demand a dose reduction and you can not go any lower than 0.10, except for maybe 1 drop.

Let's see what others say about that later.

Come on up some, and surf Corduroy.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4=80, +4.25=100, +4.5=112

Just watching from the sidelines since you had so much help...great job, and what a relief to see those higher numbers!

It's always a good idea to have a back up meter. For one, you can pull out the back up to compare when you get these types of crazy numbers (either hi or lo), just to be sure they are accurate readings. Plus, you never know when a battery is going to die or the meter might break - which is what happened to me. When Trix was first diagnosed, I only had one meter. Right before I went to bed, I accidentally dropped something heavy on it. I didn't realized I cracked the screen until I got up the next morning and went to test her AMPS. Needless to say, I was at the pharmacy doors the minute they opened, and I now have about 8 back up meters :lol: !

You're doing awesome....please keep testing since he can drop again when the sugar starts wearing off. and keep us posted.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4=80, +4.25=100, +4.5=112

I would believe the numbers too, as if they are right which they probably are, you need to concentrate on getting his BGs up, now and worry about the meter and any possible battery issues later.
You did and are doing a good job. Do not become complacent though. His numbers can come right down again, once the affects of the karo wear off.

I think you need to start a trial as those LOs demand a dose reduction and you can not go any lower than 0.10, except for maybe 1 drop.

Let's see what others say about that later.

Come on up some, and surf Corduroy.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4=80, +4.25=100, +4.5=112

I would believe the numbers too, as if they are right which they probably are, you need to concentrate on getting his BGs up, now and worry about the meter and any possible battery issues later.
You did and are doing a good job. Do not become complacent though. His numbers can come right down again, once the affects of the karo wear off.

I think you need to start a trial as those LOs demand a dose reduction and you can not go any lower than 0.10, except for maybe 1 drop.

Let's see what others say about that later.

Come on up some, and surf Corduroy.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4=80, +4.25=100, +4.5=112

I think you are ready for your trial too.
I think those yellows yesterday were a bounce from a similar low in the middle of the day where there weren't any tests. ( I said that yesterday) You might have earned
it without knowing. Today he is making the point.
eta: it was a narrow window where you wouldn't have expected it. I wouldn't have caught it either. :-D

That's my own opinion.
But I defer to those higher up.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4=80, +4.25=100, +4.5=112

Congratulations on getting him up. It is so nerve racking, even from far away.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4=80, +4.25=100, +4.5=112, +5

Okay, so after 30 minutes, his BG is back down to 38. Ugh! I gave him a dab of HC food again and will test in another 15. Should I also give him more karo or just the food right now?
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4=80, +4.25=100, +4.5=112, +5

I would continue adding syrup with numbers below 50.
You have nothing to prove now.
He's going to keep you watching him today.
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4.5=112, +5=38, +5.5=157

At +5.5 it's 157. These numbers don't make any sense to me. They're so erratic :?
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, AMPS=116, +3=20, +3.1="lo", +3.5=49, +4=

Jamie & Jupiter said:
11:30 - 49
11:50- "lo"
12:00 - 80
Click to expand...
The early LO, I can see that one. But this LO seems funky to me. Great job, catching the latest dip. Time to surf, Corduroy.
Liz
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4.5=112, +5=38, +5.5=157

Wow Brigitte! Crazy morning you've had!!

Next time you go out, you might want to go to WalMart and pick up a Relion meter. They're only about $15 and depending on if you get the Prime or the Confirm/Micro, the strips are very reasonable.($9 for 50 for Prime, about $18 for 50 for Confirm/Micro) That way you'd have a back up meter...and if there IS something weird going on with the Bayer, at least you'd have another option.

You're doing a great job with Corduroy!

I think it's time to try the OTJ trial too!
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4.5=112, +5=38, +5.5=157

Okay Chris, I will get a Relion meter as well. Thanks for that info! Yes, it's been a very crazy and stressful morning!

I'm now testing him every 15 minutes. This last time, it was 146 +5.75. Should I continuously feed him and give him karo or lay off when his #s are higher?
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4.5=112, +5=38, +5.5=157

I had to take care of Jupiter for a bit but have been checking in your condo to see how things are going. Looks like you had plenty of help so I didnt comment. Wanted to let you know, you are doing a great job!
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4.5=112, +5=38, +5.5=157

You should be laying off. You want to keep him in the normal range, 50-120. Has he had enough to eat this morning? If not, give him some LC. If he has, then hold off on feeding, maybe just a little freeze dried chicken (no carbs) as a pokey treat.
Liz
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4.5=112, +5=38, +5.5=157

Now that he's up, no more HC food or syrup...just his regular LC food at normal feeding times. You want to keep testing for at least 2 hours after the last time you gave any food/syrup/gravy to make sure he stays up once the sugar gets out of his system. You can drop back to every 30 minutes now that he's up

Good luck with the OTJ trial too! Corduroy has made his point quite clear..he's tired of this stuff! :-D

You can go ahead and take down the 911 now that he's up. You can always put it back if you get another crazy number!
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4.5=112, +5=38, +5.5=157

Thanks everyone for the support! I've been so stressed out, I look like an insane person at this point I'm sure ;-)

Anne and Chris, I just fed him his normal LC food, the regular amount a little later than his normal feeding time (I actually forgot to feed him the normal food in all of this frenzy). I will check him again in 30 minutes.

Lord, what a morning! nailbite_smile
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +4.5=112, +5=38, +5.5=157

You are doing great!!! This is incredibly stressful. Corduroy is lucky to have you for his bean. :-D I have to go to school now and won't be on the board this afternoon but it looks like he's past the crisis.
Liz
 
Re: 9/23, Corduroy, +3.75=lo, +5.5=157, +6.5=192, +7=194

I look like an insane person at this point I'm sure
Click to expand...

Then you fit right in with the rest of us crazy cat people!! :lol: :lol:

You did the absolute right thing...ask for help during what was a serious crisis. We are all very thankful he came through it fine, and you did a great job with him!
 
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